Tammy’s relaunch story was so authentic and instructive, that we asked her if she would guest blog this week so you can hear it from her directly, and she agreed. So here’s Tammy…..
I am a 51 yr old working mom of a 25 yr old and a 17 year old. My greatest joy has been my children and I love being a mom.
After having my first child (a boy), I became a single parent and had to work through my son’s development years. I was a meat buyer for a grocery retail chain. When I re-married seven years later my husband and I decided that with my second child I would stay home. It worked out great because we had just been transferred to Cincinnati OH from Nashville TN so I didn’t have a job. I was also seven months pregnant when we made the move.
After the birth of my daughter I was really into being the mommy that stayed home. My son, who never had the luxury of mom at home, didn’t know what to do with himself. He kept asking me what camp he was going to during the summer. When I would tell him that he was home for the summer he asked me what he would do with his time. I told him that he would play in the creek, climb trees, and ride his bike!
After the first couple of years being a stay at home mom I started to get restless. I had always been in the corporate world and missed the suits and matching shoes. It really hit me when I was grocery shopping in sweats and looked down and saw peas and carrots on the sleeve of my very nice sweat shirt! That’s when I decided that I should find something that would fit my family time, but bring in some money and give me more than Blues Clues. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my children, and everything they do, but I truly believe that a woman can do everything and can juggle like no other.
The first thing I did was to become a soccer referee. My son played soccer, and I had coached, so I went through referee school and became the first female referee in the soccer organization for the area. It was good money (and it helped me lose the baby weight!).
Then I came across Mary Kay Cosmetics. What a fabulous way to make money and balance your family life. And that is exactly what I did. I would only work while my daughter would nap or when she was in pre-school. Once she was in kindergarten I had an opportunity to work more – half days for five days a week – perfect. I stayed very true to my family commitment and would never put my work before the family. I went on to win a car and then become a director. Because I believed in what I was doing, my business thrived. I recommend this type of job for any stay at home mom.
When my daughter was about to begin 6th grade we were transferred again to Bentonville, AR. Once she adjusted to the new area and made friends I started working my Mary Kay business again. The first thing I did after picking up my third car from Mary Kay was join the Bentonville/Bella VistaChamber of Commerce. I knew that this would help me meet new people and grow my business. I got involved right away. After about a year of building my business in a new area, an opportunity at the Chamber was presented to me. The membership director was leaving and they were replacing her with two people.
I needed some time to think this out. I had been available to my daughter since birth. She was now going to be 12 and going into the 7th grade. My son was in college. There were no kids at home during the day, and when my daughter needed me it was usually for a ride somewhere. Why not? There are seasons in your life and this was going to be a new season for me. Yes I still had my Mary Kay, but I was ready to be in the real world and around corporate people.
I interviewed for the position and got the job as the Director of Marketing for the Chamber. It was perfect because I have a marketing background. There was some juggling to do with my job since my daughter didn’t drive and played every sport you could find, but I was fortunate enough to have a boss who understood and was flexible. I did the newsletter, web site and marketing for the Chamber. I also coordinated our Total Resource Campaign which is the Chamber’s annual fundraiser. That’s really the main reason I was hired - was for the Campaign. I volunteered for this campaign and was the top producer. The president of the Chamber saw that and thought if I could do that well as a volunteer I could do even better as an employee. You never know when your volunteer work can turn into a job.
After a year I was promoted to Vice President, Marketing and Membership. I’ve been with the Chamber five years now. I plan membership events, educational events for the Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club supplier community and oversee the marketing for the Chamber. My daughter will be a senior this coming school year and now only plays one sport (year round) – volleyball. She also drives!! That made the biggest difference in juggling.
My advice to moms thinking about returning to work is:
- Stay active and try to do something from home, i.e. work, volunteer, etc.
- While it is a good thing to volunteer, volunteer for things that would look good on a resume. I volunteered at the Chamber in my town. I planned events and was even a trustee. That gave me my chamber and event planning experience. I volunteered for and coordinated the youth soccer program which developed my organizational skills.
- Zero in on your skills. For example, if you have a graphic arts or publication background, you may want to do newsletters or web sites for an organization – paid or volunteer. Either will help keep your skills current.
In looking for a position as a mom, I would:
- Try to find a position that wasn’t as demanding as a corporate position. That may mean not making the salary that you once had. Having a job and loving it and to be able to have time for your family is better. No guilt trips.
- Ask your friends about family friendly companies.
- Try contracting your services. That could lead to a salaried position.
There are a lot of opportunities for moms returning to work after a career break. You just have to find them or make them.
Thanks Tammy! Follow Tammy on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/bbvchamberchic
. Her website is www.bbvchamber.com
Carol Fishman
Cohen
Vivian Steir Rabin
Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin are the co-founders of
iRelaunch “The
Career Reentry Experts®, ” which produces career reentry
programming, events, and content for employers, universities,
organizations and individuals, and the co-authors of the acclaimed
career reentry strategy book
Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Want to
Return to Work.
iRelaunch’s
signature products include the Career Relaunch ® Forum, a one
day, multi-employer sponsored, return to work conference held at
educational institutions around the country, Relaunch
Circles™ , a small group, coach led program with a curriculum
based on Back on the Career Track, and the Back on the Career
Track ® Webinar series. iRelaunch also designs customized
career reentry programs and presentations for employers,
universities and organizations.
Carol and Vivian can be reached at info@iRelaunch.com.
Follow iRelaunch on Twitter! www.twitter.com/iRelaunch